04x01 - The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter One: Collateral Damage

[bunniefuu]

Last season Black Lightning...

The Markovians now have Freeland surrounded.

Listen up, everybody.

Tonight we stand for the future of Freeland.

Freedom for Freeland!

Freedom for Freeland!

Make the cure as fast as you can.

That was Gravedigger.

A meta-human with enhanced strength and speed with the power to push whoever is in earshot.

-k*ll her.

I'm so sorry.

We have to assume that Gravedigger is injecting himself with whatever remains of the meta-formula you left in Markovia.

When I gave myself the sh*t, the power lasted for an hour because of my genetic makeup.

Get rid of your detail.

You have powers now?

Drop 'em.

No, no.

Henderson!

I can't feel my legs.

Henderson, man, you are my best friend.

Looks like it's time for me to pack my bags.

Plus, I got a date with a beautiful divorcee doctor.

She's gonna help me get the crown of Freeland that I am destined to wear.

You not gonna say anything, son?

Nothing worth saying, Pop.

Miss this city.

So much a part of me.

Freeland, she was frustrating.

And so much beauty in the people.

Henderson, he loved Freeland.

It was all in his bones and heart muscles.

That's why he fought all of his life for her.

Fighting for what he loved, son.

He d*ed because I let him into my world.

Into Black Lightning's world.

People dying like they ain't never d*ed before, son.

Not just in your world.

Not just in Black Lightning's world.

Well, good thing there's no more Black Lightning's world.

Black Lightning's dead.

Yeah, we've been here before, son.

You know this city needs you.

I don't know what this city needs, Pop, but it sure ain't me, though.

Son, from the moment we come out of the womb, the clock starts ticking.

So it ain't about the dying, it's about the living.

How...

How are we going to live this life to make our dying something to celebrate, and not mourn?

Freeland continues to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Markovian conflict in a variety of festive ways.

For those of you who maybe were living on another planet, remember on this day last year the Markovians were defeated, the government's ASA experiments were exposed by Black Lightning and shut down.

But, and there's always a but, as the city celebrates, there are still concerns with the level of v*olence due to the fact that The One Hundred g*ng and rival Kobra Cartel continue to fight over territory.

And it seems Freeland's mayor, Billy Black, and his police force are unable to do anything to put an end to the conflict.

Many are calling for the mayor to resign, even though the mayoral election is just months away.

Hey, where's the dr*gs?

-Hey!

- Come here.

- I didn't do anything!

Stay still, punk.

- Stop resisting!

Empty your pockets!

- I don't got none.

Stop!

Stop moving.

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Hey, hey!

Is all that necessary?

Hey, get back in your car, sir.

Look, I know this kid.

He wouldn't hurt a fly.

So, what did he do to deserve this?

This is your last warning, sir.

Get back into your vehicle.

Now!

No.

Get back in your vehicle now!

You gonna point a g*n at me now?

I told you to get back in your car.

Do I look armed to you?

I'm so tired of this.

Anissa, can I say something you might not like?

No.

It's been a year.

And you've been sitting at Grace's bedside on and off the whole time.

Mostly on.

Now, I love Grace because you love Grace.

But maybe it's time you move on with your life.

What, like how you did with Khalil?

Girl, that boy had your nose so wide open that you were ready to throw your life away and leave the whole damn family for him, so move on?

Anissa.

We're both stressed out trying to help the city recover from the w*r.

And every time you leave this room, you have tears in your eyes.

I'm sorry, I'm just worried about you.

Well, I'm fine.

Okay?

So you ain't gotta be worried about me.

You're my sister.

You can't just tell me not to worry about you.

That's not good en-- Hey, Mom.

Any news?

It's the same, baby.

No change in her condition.

Unfortunately, the treatments are being blocked by her shapeshifter physiology.

But I have developed a cocktail of dr*gs that I think might work.

We'll see how it goes over the next couple of days, okay?

Okay.

Sounds like good news.

It just...

It just feels like you've abandoned us.

Just left us to do this on our own.

Abandoned.

You ever think maybe you abandoned me?

You left me and the girls.

Okay?

You're back now, good for you.

But...

But I lost my brother.

So where's the compassion?

The tenderness?

The understanding?

No, you just went right back to the lab like nothing happened.

Something happened, Lynn!

Anissa and Jennifer are out there.

They need your help.

And they need your guidance.

Yeah, I tried to give them guidance.

They never listen.

And when have I ever not been there for my girls?

Don't bring them into this just to make your point.

Lynn.

How is your sobriety?

It's great.

It's going really well.

Well, when you were both here last time, you spoke of a lack of intimacy.

Has that improved?

In my opinion, there is no intimacy.

We're on completely separate pages.

Oh.

Yeah, if by intimacy, you mean sex, there is none.

Whenever I want to, she just shuts me down.

You know, intimacy isn't just sex, Jeff.

You're completely emotionally absent.

Well, intimacy comes down to trust.

Trusting that the person you love can catch you when you're falling.

Support you in your best times and most certainly in your worst.

'Cause in my notes, I've written something.

"Intimacy can be rewarding.

And even deeper than before.

But the honesty about what you're feeling, it has to be there." It has to be there first.

It's an outstanding opportunity and an excellent company to work for, Peter.

Monovista International is spearheading the rebuilding efforts here in Freeland.

You mean fleecing, not rebuilding.

Look, Lauren, if I'm even gonna entertain this idea, we have to speak honestly.

We're here to do good, Peter.

I just need someone knowledgeable who can oversee and troubleshoot our security systems, protocols, private human assets.

Is that what they're calling corporate assassins these days?

Crazy, right?

But yes.

Come on, Peter.

The job's lucrative and cushy.

You deserve a job like this.

With everything that you sacrificed for this job and for Freeland and this country.

I'll pass.

But it was worth me listening just to hear your voice again.

And to see you.

You know, I cried when they told me you were dead.

So damn good to know you're alive.

I'll be taking advantage of that knowledge.

I hope so.

Hmm.

Say.

Would you mind turning that up, please?

Now, Bill Henderson didn't lead from behind a desk.

He led by example.

From the frontline.

Which is why we are all here today, to pay respect and honor to Mr. Bill Henderson.

Nobody knew him better than his lifelong friend, former Olympian, principal of Garfield High School, Mr. Jefferson Pierce, who I've asked here today to say a few words.

Y'all, I think, uh, Bill woulda found all this kind of funny.

Over the top.

Henderson loved Freeland.

It was all in his bones and his heart muscles.

He spent his whole life fighting for her.

And he d*ed the way he lived, fighting for the city and the people that he loved.

Pierce, one statement, please.

Now, I'd like to introduce you to our new chief of police, Chief Lopez.

Henderson would still be alive if it wasn't for the large amount of undocumented metas running rampant in Freeland.

It is because of them that we need to rebuild this city's trust in the department.

I will make sure that every meta in this city is documented and tagged, so that we know their whereabouts and power capacity at all times.

I obviously have some big footsteps to follow, -but I think we'll be up for the task.

In an exclusive interview by reporter John Webb, he talks with reclusive business man Tobias Whale about his philanthropy and his commitment to helping rebuild the city of Freeland.

John, I love Freeland.

I always have.

And whatever it's gonna take to get her back on her feet, I'm gonna do it.

What does that mean, exactly?

Well, so far we've already started working with the mayor's office and I've committed a substantial amount of money to help repair and rebuild any public institutions that were damaged during the w*r.

That's a big commitment.

For some.

What the hell?

What...

I'm curious, what was the mayor's reaction...

I thought he was dead?

And you think it's a coincidence that he shows up now?

...but once he saw my budget, he knew that I was completely committed and prepared to make Freeland great again.

Happy anniversary.

Like, I can't even believe this is a debate right now.

We don't have a choice.

Oh, we always have a choice, Anissa.

Oh, God.

Here we go.

Yeah, and the choice in this situation is to k*ll his ass.

-Language.

-Just stay out of it.

Look, k*lling Tobias will not bring back Bill or my father or anyone else he's k*lled.

Okay, look.

With all due respect, Dad, I'm personally not concerned with bringing anyone back.

I'm concerned with the living.

You, me, Mom, Jennifer.

Where is Jennifer?

I don't know.

She's probably outside, flying around again.

Listen.

Tobias ain't just pop up out of nowhere handing out millions like he's Santa Claus for no reason.

He's got a plan and it's not gonna be good for any of us.

Dad, come on, he knows who we are.

The information that he has is way too dangerous for him to be walking around, pretending to be some kind of philanthropist.

She's right, Jefferson.

So, you're okay with m*rder now?

In this instance, yes.

If it protects my family, absolutely.

Look, and I don't see this as m*rder, okay?

It's survival.

Justice.

This conversation is over.

I will not encourage any member of this family to go out and become murderers.

Okay.

Uh, the reality is that me, Mom, Jennifer, we've already taken lives, Dad.

And that doesn't make us murderers.

All we were trying to do was protect ourselves and protect Freeland.

We'll talk about this later.

I have to go.

Just because you're shutting the conversation down, it doesn't mean the problem will go away.

He is going to come after us, sooner or later.

And we need to play offense or defense.

Okay, look, Tobias Whale is off limits to anyone but me!

Period.

When you see Jennifer, tell her I need to talk to her ASAP.

She's not taking this flying thing seriously.

-Like, what?

Huh?

-I...

I know.

I know.

Hey, J.

You good?

Hey, what's up, Gambi?

Good to see you, man.

J's right over there, brother.

And the celebration continues.

Been trying to reach you the past couple of days.

I know.

I'm not even gonna ask what's going on, because I already know.

You do?

You're not the only person who's been in battle and lost someone.

That...

That's what you got?

And that's supposed to make me feel better?

No.

It's supposed to give you some perspective.

"What I got" is that the bottom of that glass is not going to make you feel any better.

It's just making you reckless.

You're taking your frustrations out on cops now?

You're lucky they didn't die.

They were going to k*ll that kid.

Would have just been another Black boy dead.

I'm not gonna let that happen.

Then at least wear the damn Black Lightning suit so you don't run the chance of being identified.

But...

But Black Lightning didn't save that kid.

Jefferson Pierce saved that kid.

There's a difference.

Well, well, can you explain it to me?

Because I'm confused.

Simple.

Black Lightning was trying to save the world.

I'm just trying to save my family.

And the kid?

A reflex.

Besides, I, uh...

I fried the dash and the body cams and wiped their memories of what happened, so...

They caught a part of your license plate number.

There were street cams as well.

They caught everything.

But I took care of it.

Thank you.

Using your powers without the suit is not great for your nervous system, Jeff.

I'm not putting on the suit.

None of us should be putting on suits.

Yeah, we've been here before.

Everybody keeps saying that.

It's never been like this.

Not like this.

Henderson is dead.

Both of my girls have k*lled people.

Hell, even my wife has k*lled.

And you want to know what the scary thing is?

They just...

They think it's okay.

They don't respect anything I say anymore, so...

I doubt that you've lost their respect, Jefferson.

They're scared.

And as difficult as it is for you to let them see you like this, they should see that their father is human.

That his heart can hurt.

That he can fall down.

It will be one of the best lessons they can ever learn.

But they have to see you get back up.

And I promise you, you will get back up.

Look at that.

Tobias' lawyers and his money have just cleaned up all his dirt.

He's reinvented himself.

He is a hero now.

The world's upside down, Gambi.

It...

It's upside down.

My plan is to clean up the drug activity on the streets starting with the Green Light.

I want to get rid of any gangs that are controlling the dr*gs, as well as any meta-human activity that has plagued Freeland for so many years.

This Day-Glo bitch comes back in town and everybody thinking that he Crispus Attucks or something.

When I'm the one that's been keeping the people of Freeland fed and working during the w*r.

Me!

And The One Hundred, they've been battling in them streets like the soldiers that they are.

Boss.

What?

We need to focus on the shipment coming in.

You giving me orders now, Devonte?

Come on, OG, you know it ain't even like that.

I'm just trying to make sure we're good.

When it gets here, I want it packed up and shipped out on them streets by tomorrow.

I need you to separate the product from the meta weapons.

Make sure that you pick up them weapons somewhere away from the product drop.

And bring them here.

For sure.

Stand still and let her go!

Go.

Go now, run!

Yo, man.

What the hell's wrong with you?

Well, I guess you're either going to take her place or die.

Knock him out.

Huh?

You will never traffic another girl again.

And you will go down to the police station and tell them everything about your friend.

Yes, ma'am.

And stop calling me ma'am!

Yes, ma'am.

It's been over 48-hour period since I injected myself with Gravedigger's push powers.

Last night and tonight has proven that I've managed to extend those powers beyond the desired effect.

My goal is to isolate the meta gene to the point where I can use it against any att*ck against Freeland.

Including Gravedigger.

My blood sample said these powers will wear away in 12 hours.

I'm going to try a different meta gene next week.

Why didn't the subject respond to the command?

Jeff, I need your help.

I need your help.

Who is this?

Where did you get this phone?

He gave it to me.

Yeah, I doubt that.

I'm not someone to be played with.

I guess not.

But neither am I.

What do you want?

The docks.

Tonight.

11:00 p.m.

You know where.

When you get there, you'll find an envelope.

That was way too easy.

Yeah, okay.

Slow your ass down.

I know you're here.

Been here for awhile.

Making sure I'm by myself.

You read the letter?

How do I know you didn't write it yourself?

You don't.

It's been a year.

Why now?

Because I needed time to grieve the loss of my friend and mentor.

I needed time to decide if it was better just to k*ll your ass for getting him m*rder*d or trust and help you like Henderson asked me to.

What did you decide?

I don't know.

Weighing my options.

But I at least wanted to try and honor his request the best I could.

Sounds like you have a thing against metas.

Maybe.

But I definitely have an issue with you.

Oh, yeah?

What's that?

Bill said you'd never give up on Freeland.

Looks to me like that's exactly what you did.

So maybe you're not the whatever the hell you are that he thought you were.

Give me a call.

Let me know when you grow your balls back.

Yo, what the hell is he doing?

He's deciding which one of y'all he's about to k*ll.

Yo, man.

Who sings this song?

Really, man?

Are you serious right now?

I'm just asking.

Dumbass.

I was sitting in there and thinking about which one of your dumbasses I'm getting ready to k*ll.

But I'm trying to be a different man.

So I've decided I'm not going to k*ll nobody tonight.

This bitch Lightning and Thunder stole two months' worth of profit!

I want y'all to set up a fake buy.

Tell everybody and their mama.

'Cause somebody's snitching.

Davonte, give them the g*ns.

If they show up, k*ll Lightning.

She's the strongest one.

Or I'mma k*ll you...

and you.

You.

Well, n*gro, if you're reading this, it means I am no longer with the living.

It was a pleasure the entire time, brother, knowing you.

I'm not going to get too damn mushy in this thing, I just wanted to let you know this.

Brother Hassan is a man you can trust, the way you trusted me.

His IQ is off the charts and he's former special ops.

So he's a bit crazy.

Just kidding.

That's it, man.

Take care.

Love you, bruh.

Hope to see you on the other side, but not too damn soon.

Yeah, Tanya.

Uh, yeah, yeah, I'm...

I'm free.

Coincidentally.

Ah, Chief Lopez.

Pleasure to see you again.

I hope.

Oh, pleasure to see you again as well.

Yeah, yeah.

So, um, does this visit have to do with one of my students?

No, sir.

This is Detective Hassan Shakur.

And he's working a case.

Something came up.

He knew that you and Bill were good friends so he brought it to me and we're bringing it to you.

Okay.

What is it?

Yesterday, two Freeland cops were brutally att*cked and sent to the ICU.

Wow.

That's horrible.

Yeah, it is.

All their cameras were burnt to hell but one of them managed to get a partial plate number.

There are only six people in Freeland with their plate ending in that number.

One of them's yours.

Okay?

We checked them out.

Everyone has an alibi.

So now you're here.

Were you anywhere near Fifteenth and Magnolia yesterday?

Yes.

Yes, I...

uh, visited Bill's grave and from there, I went to a, uh, couple's counseling session with my wife.

Nothing else?

Um, nothing else.

How would you explain the partial plate number?

Okay, look, with, um, all due respect, Chief, that's for you to figure out.

I mean, I have no idea how to explain that.

Thank you for your time.

Yeah.

No problem.

All right.

Take it easy.

He's lying.

I know.

DEG!

Jen.

Come on, Jen.

Jennifer, get up.

Come on.

I need you to get up.

I need you.

Come on.

Get up.

Are you okay?

How is she?

She's sleeping in the next room, but she's already healing.

I...

it's amazing.

I've never seen anything like this.

Thank God.

Well, Uncle Gambi did say that if she worked on mastering her powers, not even a DEG would hurt her.

-Is that right?

-Yeah.

Well, clearly this wasn't planned, otherwise she wouldn't be here having to heal.

So what happened?

Look, we hit another drug buy.

It was our third one this week.

But this one, I don't know, it felt like a setup, like they were expecting us.

Everything happened so fast, I...

Yeah, of course it was a setup.

You hit two, they knew you'd come for the third.

See, that's why you shouldn't even be out there.

You two are too overzealous.

Well, if, maybe if you were out there with them, Jeff, I...

Lynn.

Don't.

Now's not the time.

Show me Jen's body cam footage.

-Jeff, she's going to be-- -Just do it.

Please.

Did she get the sh**t?

Yeah.

It's clear to me that she was specifically targeted.

Zoom in on his face.

Run it through the facial recognition database.

What the hell?

Who was that?

Oh, God.

Oh!

Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Doesn't matter.

Hey.

Hey.

I wanted to apologize about earlier.

I was scared.

And, well, now Jen's back to normal and she's gonna hang with Anissa tonight, so.

You insinuated that if I had been there, Jen wouldn't have been sh*t.

Made it sound like I was a neglectful father.

Did it ever occur to you that if you supported me in my attempt to keep them from going out at all, that Jen wouldn't have been sh*t?

I didn't come down here to argue, Jeff.

Yeah.

I was concerned about Jen and now I'm concerned about you.

Well, you don't have to, I'm fine.

I see that you're hurting.

I guess I had a vision of how you would handle all of this.

With the girls being who they are, Henderson's death.

But then I had to check myself and see it from your point of view.

And I'm so sorry.

You've been in pain much longer than I accounted for.

I'm fine.

I'm going to go up to bed.

Will you come with me?

No, you go on ahead.

I'll...

I'll be up in a little while.

Okay?

Okay.

Good night.

Good night.

What are you thinking?

He's back.

First the cops.

He b*at this boy, then shocked him within an inch of his life.

Strange thing is that Black Lightning has never intentionally crippled anyone like this.

Dr. Stewart!

Dr.

Stewart, I'm so glad we ran into you.

We just finished giving a tour of our lab to Mr. Whale.

Mr. Whale, this is our star research scientist, Dr. Lynn Stewart.

Lynn, this is Mr. Whale.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Stewart.

I've heard so many great things about you.

But no one told me that your beauty matches your genius.

It's a pleasure to meet you as well.

Mr. Whale has joined our board of directors and made a very generous donation to our facility.

Thank you.

No.

Thank you.

The work you're doing here is very interesting to me personally.

And I just wanted to make sure you had all the resources you need to complete your work.

Oh, and we do appreciate it.

Uh, let me show you the reservoir facility.

Yes.

It was wonderful meeting you.

I'm sure we'll be seeing more and more of each other as time progresses.